Jan. 23--Bulls big man Pau Gasol's first season in the Eastern Conference has proved to be a rewarding one.
Gasol, a four-time All-Star during his first 13 seasons in the Western Conference, never had been voted by fans as an All-Star starter. That changed Thursday, when Gasol joined LeBron James of the Cavaliers, Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks, Kyle Lowry of the Raptors and John Wall of the Wizards in being named East starters.
"I'm really thankful and appreciative that the fans are voting me in and want to see me in the starting lineup, which is a huge compliment," Gasol said before the news was made official.
All-Star reserves will be announced Jan. 29. The Bulls could send Jimmy Butler to join Gasol, and Nikola Mirotic is a virtual lock to make the Rookie Challenge game as part of All-Star weekend in New York.
The All-Star Game is Feb. 15 at Madison Square Garden.
